A Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) print typically depicts healthy infants and toddlers.
[ LOCAL COLOR ] Artist’s doll prints The saying "Children are treasures" is familiar in Japan. Kawase Hasui's "Dolls! Dolls! Dolls!" exhibit at the Honolulu Academy of Arts features a series of woodblock prints depicting children.
honor children
by Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com
Dolls are highly appreciated in Japanese culture and used in celebration of Girl's Day on March 3 and Boy's Day on May 5. Dolls collected are often handmade with idealized costumes and hairstyles, and facial expressions intended to convey love, serenity and peace of mind.
Sixteen woodblock prints depicting children 'Dolls! Dolls! Dolls!'
Place: Honolulu Academy of Arts
On view: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through April 30
Admission: $7 general; $4 seniors, students, military; children 12 and under free
Call: 532-8700
Hasui's series of doll prints, created in 1930 and published by Meiji-Shobo, of Kanda, Tokyo, depict palace and costumed dolls set against a white background. The original set comprised of 24 prints; 16 are currently on view.
Techniques for making color prints have existed in Japan since the 17th century. Ukiyo-e, or woodblock printing incorporating single sheets of paper, was originally used in printing science and math books or in commercial advertising.
During the 20th century, woodblocks became an art form considered worthy of collecting and, therefore, profitable to printers who chose the right subject matter.
The Hakata doll, one of the most popular products exported to Europe, is portrayed in one of Hasui's prints. Another features a boy carrying a red snapper, the symbol of good fortune. Another pictured a carp, signifying success.
Hasui was considered a "late bloomer" as an artist. He had been forced to work in the family business until it went bankrupt before starting his studies of Western painting techniques at age 26. He later turned to printmaking and became the apprentice of Kaburagi Kiyokata.
Hasui became a master during the Shin Hanga movement. He was noted for his exquisite landscape prints. Shortly before his death in 1957, he was declared a "national living treasure" by the Japanese government.
An Isho Ningyo (Costume Doll) print is a type of palace doll adorned with a more elaborate costume.
See also
Cover Story: What a Doll
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